Regulatory
Stay informed on the latest natural food industry regulatory updates involving the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or United States Department of Agriculture(USDA), as well as news regarding lawsuits, labeling and class-actions. Understand the evolving natural food regulatory and legal environment which can directly impact your product claims, intellectual property, packaging and ingredients.
Featured Regulatory Content
Texas Gov. Signs Executive Order to Create Legal Hemp Framework
Texas governor Greg Abbott has signed an executive order mandating age restrictions on the sale of hemp-derived THC products, roughly three months after he vetoed a bill that would have outlawed the intoxicant entirely in the Lone Star State.
Smucker, Chubby Snacks Settle Trademark Suit
The J.M. Smucker Company has settled its lawsuit accusing now-defunct frozen sandwich startup Chubby Snacks of false advertising, trademark violations and disparagement in “years of advertising designed to tarnish the name and reputation” of Smucker’s competing Uncrustables brand.
Lawyers Call ‘Fraud’ on BellRing Brands, But One Analyst is Optimistic
BellRing Brands, maker of Premier Protein and Dymatize, is facing down a swarm of lawyers as multiple law firms specializing in shareholders rights have announced investigations into the publicly traded CPG company over allegations it violated securities laws.
Additional Content
Takeaways From Pretzel Crisp’s 7-Year Trademark Battle
The legal saga between Snyder’s-Lance, the maker of Pretzel Crisps, and PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay, maker of Rold Gold’s Pretzel Thins, seems to be only beginning.– and the ongoing court proceedings are already serving as a cautionary tale to emerging food and beverage brands.
Industry Responds to New Peanut Allergy Advice
While children fear monsters under their beds, parents of children with allergies fear a different kind of demon: peanuts. But, according to two recent studies, peanut allergies may be avoidable with the controlled, early introduction of peanuts to babies. The FDA has taken note and its change in stance is sending waves throughout the food industry.
In the Courtroom: Kraft-Heinz Suit Sets Patent Precedent, Mott’s Sued for ‘Natural’ Claims
From patent restrictions and investor complaints to false labeling claims, these are the cases creating — or aiming to clean up — messy food dealings.
Food Dye Bill Approved For Research, Not Labeling
A California bill addressing the potential dangers of synthetic food dyes on children has passed, but with a major amendment.
Halo Top, Mars Inc. Fight Trademark Suits
Food fights are breaking out in court. HaloTop, Mars Inc, KerryGold and Chobani all found themselves in legal battles spanning trademark infringements to reports of assault over the past month. Here’s what we know so far about the cases, why they were filed, and what they could mean for the companies involved.
Hershey Co. Sweet on ‘Smart Snacking’ and Transparency
Emphasizing environmental and nutritional transparency for the labels and ingredients in both its chocolate and snacking lineups, the confectionary giant announced a sweeping set of changes from sourcing to packaging that the company hopes will give consumers more choices.
The Skinny on the Snyder’s-Lance Trademark Battle
Amplify Snack Brands, the company behind SkinnyPop Popcorn, and snack giant Snyder’s-Lance began a legal battle over the word “skinny” last week. Amplify filed a federal trademark infringement and unfair competition lawsuit against Snyder’s over the company’s plans to start selling its newly acquired popcorn brand, Metcalfe’s Skinny, in the U.S.
New Food Dye Bill Could Have Suppliers Seeing Red
Earlier this month, State Senator Bob Wieckowski, a Democrat, introduced California SB 504, a bill that would require warning labels on all food containing synthetic dyes, including those sold in restaurants. It’s an issue that may cause food manufacturers to reconsider their use of synthetic colors not just in California, but nationwide.
FDA Opens Conversation To Define ‘Healthy’ Claims on Labels
During a public meeting on March 9, the agency was urged to consider both nutrient content and food type when defining the term ‘healthy” on labels. The FDA will consider all comments and written submissions during this public comment period to decide how best to update its guidelines.
OTA Looks To Equivalency Arrangements To Aid U.S. Organic Growth
The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is looking to equivalency trade arrangements as a way to increase more organic options on shelves. During a Natural Products Expo West event last week in Anaheim, Calif. Monique Marez, the OTA’s director of international trade, said it is just a question of standards.